Shooting 1858 Rem. Loading lever

[monkr]

Took my 1858 rem. out yesterday since I have not shot it in awhile. Had one cylinder loaded with 777g at 30 grains and one at 27 grains of 777g. When firing the 30 grains my loading lever came down a couple of times, none with 27 grains loaded. Is this normal. My friend who shoots competion, only loads up to 15 grains of powder. To me his loads feels like shooting a 22lr where as the 30 grains I shot felt like a 45acp comming out of the barrel and lots of smoke.
One more question which will some kinda dumb. I'm out in the wood shooting and lately I seen a some coyettes. If I was shooting accuracy with 15 grains of powder and have shoot at one of them wouldn't the 15grains of powder be kinda weak for defense. Thanks a lot guys for any input.

 

[R.M.]

30 grains of 777 is pretty stout. It's no wonder the lever fell. I'd recommend you back it off some. I think your friend might be on to something. I'll bet he hits more with his load too.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

777 was made for inline rifle hunting.

I don't think it should be used in C&B pistols.

That big of a charge won't be as accurate as a softer charge. In my 58's I use 30 gr of real BP 2F.


15 gr is kind of weak for a coyote unless you're really close. How do you do that with a coyote?

 

[monkr]

Sorry meant to say Goex Black Powder FFFg.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

Ok for hunting with 30 gr or 35 gr of 2F. 25 gr of 3F Goex should be more accurate. Even 20 gr for targets.

 

[rafterob]

The Remmington should handle the 30-35 grain fffg Goex charge just fine. This problem is not common to the Remington model. The things to look at; Is the notch in the latch hold rounded off? Has the spring in the loading rod weakened? Is the retaining head worn or rounded off? Should be one of those items.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

He was using 777. That's a bit hot for 30-35 gr.

Just trying to be safe.

 

[rafterob]

Sorry meant to say Goex Black Powder FFFg

Maybe you glanced over his subsequent clarification.

 

[Pete Gaimari]

I believed the first post. :wink:

30 gr of Goex wouldn't knock down the loading lever. I do it all the time.